Is it legal? - Is connection to combined drain legal?

[Soundjacker]

Hi all, I am new here so if this has been posted before I apologise!
I am trying to sell my house after having recently having my garden landscaped. Part of the landscaping was levelling the garden out as the extra bit of land we had purchased went up hill. Because we had cut in to the hillside creating about a 5foot retaining wall at the end of the garden it was recommended that I have some drainage put in as the garden was now potentially below the water table. We agreed for these works to be done and the drainage was put in. It is perforated pipe surrounded by pea gravel with a membrane around the gravel, this then runs in to a catch pot which in turn is connected to our combined foul and surface water system. Our purchasers have told us that it is illegal to connect in to the sewer system and want the relevant permissions from the water authority. I wanted to find out if this was the case and if it is should I hold the landscaping firm responsible for remedying the issue?
Thanks in advance!

[lutonlagerlout]

no doubt someone with letters after his/her name can answer this better than me, but in my experience THEY do not like any ground water going into a sewer system

please tell me you didnt admit to this faux pas to the purchasers?

round these parts they will not accept any rainwater connections to foul runs full stop.

if this is the case for you you may have to install a suitable soakaway, designed by a consultant civil engineer
LLL

[GB_Groundworks]

Rd here if its an old house on a combined sewer they accept it but don't like it,

Speaking with your local water company would be the way forward

[Soundjacker]

Thank you for your responses. It is a combined sewer as all our rainwater pipes run in to the same system as our foul. From all that I have read and from your responses it seems to be a slightly grey area as to what is or is not allowed. I shall contact the water company with regards to this matter. I have also been told by another source that this is a matter for planning rather than the water board so I may contact both.

[GB_Groundworks]

unless its stated as a condition on your planning approval then its nothing to do with planning and you need to contact your water provider

[stephen gibson]

Hi all, I am new here so if this has been posted before I apologise!
I am trying to sell my house after having recently having my garden landscaped. Part of the landscaping was levelling the garden out as the extra bit of land we had purchased went up hill. Because we had cut in to the hillside creating about a 5foot retaining wall at the end of the garden it was recommended that I have some drainage put in as the garden was now potentially below the water table. We agreed for these works to be done and the drainage was put in. It is perforated pipe surrounded by pea gravel with a membrane around the gravel, this then runs in to a catch pot which in turn is connected to our combined foul and surface water system. Our purchasers have told us that it is illegal to connect in to the sewer system and want the relevant permissions from the water authority. I wanted to find out if this was the case and if it is should I hold the landscaping firm responsible for remedying the issue?
Thanks in advance!

If the drain at the back of the retaining wall is, as you believe, below the water table, then it is draining groundwater.

Groundwater is even more prohibited from connection to the public sewer than surface water and then even worse when it is a new connection.

The Water Industry Act actually prohibits a Sewerage Authority from agreeing to take groundwater.

Its a potential breach of:
The Building Regulations.
Water Industry Act.
Groundwater Regulations
Land Drainage Act.

never mind planning......

LLL is correct that you have no choice but to install a soakaway system else ware to discharge the water.

I would suggest your purchasers are correct that your landscape contractors have exposed you to considerable financial and commercial liability. You would potentially be responsible for paying out for flood damage and legal action until it is corrected, for which your householder insurer will not cover.

No wonder they don't want to take on your liability.

Did you employ a professional engineer to design the system? Or was it design and build?

The key learning element is - always get professional design and an experienced contractor. It may superficially look more expensive, but that way you are covered and know you are getting a good job at a fair price.